Amazon Just Made A Deal That Could Crush Netflix. Once Film-Focused, Netflix Shifts to TV Shows. Netflix To Enter Original Programming With Mega Deal For David Fincher-Kevin Spacey Series ‘House Of Cards’ EXCLUSIVE: Video streaming juggernaut Netflix is becoming an original programming player.
In what is probably the biggest gamble in its 14-year history, I hear Netflix has outbid several major cable networks, including HBO and AMC, for Media Rights Capital’s drama series House of Cards, executive produced and directed by David Fincher and exec produced by and starring Kevin Spacey. Negotiations are still going on, but I hear Netflix landed the drama project by offering a staggering commitment of two seasons, or 26 episodes. Given that the price tag for a high-end drama is in the $4 million-$6 million an episode range and that a launch of a big original series commands tens of millions of dollars for promotion, the deal is believed to be worth more than $100 million and could change the way people consume TV shows. Netflix has been looking to diversify beyond movies. TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.